Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 3 July 2004

112 articles found

Indonesia's race for presidency: What the opinion polls don't say

Indonesia's race for presidency: What the opinion polls don't sayLeonard C. Sebastian The Straits Times Asia News Network Singapore Indonesians want change, it is often said. This was evident from the spectacular decline in the popularity of the ruling Indonesian Democratic Party-Struggle (PDI-P)...

A valid election in Aceh: Test-case for RI's democracy

A valid election in Aceh: Test-case for RI's democracySam Zarifi, New York Come Monday, most of Indonesia's 150 million registered voters will be able to cast (or not cast) their ballots in a relatively peaceful environment.

Government firm on July bond issue

Government firm on July bond issueDadan Wijaksana, Jakarta Emboldened by the limited impact of the U.S. Federal Reserve rate hike and the peaceful month-long presidential election campaign, the government is determined to move ahead with plans to launch its fourth bond issue of the year later this...

City admits poor planning in school renovation projects

City admits poor planning in school renovation projectsDamar Harsanto, Jakarta At least 13 school construction projects have been halted as a result of poor planning by the Jakarta Elementary Education Agency.

Where to go in Jakarta: Saturday, July 3, 2004

Where to go in Jakarta: Saturday, July 3, 2004Exhibitions* Sintang Textile at Textile Museum, Jl. K.S Tubun No. 4, West Jakarta (Tel. 5606613), until October. * Installation Republik Togel 303, Lontar Gallery, Jl. Utan Kayu 68H, East Jakarta (Tel. 70798626), until July 9.

ASEAN security now at ease

ASEAN security now at easePolicemen in charge of securing the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC) during this week's ASEAN summit were able to sigh with relief on Friday evening as the ASEAN Regional Forum ended.On duty from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Battle of telco cards begins in Surabaya

Battle of telco cards begins in SurabayaIndra Harsaputra, Surabaya Hardly a year has passed since state-owned Telkom boosted Flexi cards; Indosat has now followed with its new product, Star One, raising the question of whether it can made inroads into Flexi's wireless access market in Surabaya as...

Eight more councils face graft probes

Eight more councils face graft probesSyofiardi Bachyul Jb, Padang After helping jail almost all members of the West Sumatra legislative council for corruption, prosecutors here are currently investigating new graft scams in at least eight regental and municipal councils.

Badminton director calls for training evaluation

Badminton director calls for training evaluationEva C. Komandjaja, Jakarta Taufik Hidayat and Sony Dwi Kuncoro are the latest Indonesian victims at the Malaysian Open, prompting the national training director to say the program needed to be evaluated.

TV Today: Saturday, July 3, 2004

TV Today: Saturday, July 3, 2004TVRI 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi7:00 Children Show: Pentas Ceria7:30 Religious Teachings8:00 Talk Show: Sehat Ala Hembing9:00 Religious Teachings10:00 Talk Show11:30 Battle of Wits12:30 p.m.

Fitri Wulandari

Fitri Wulandari The Jakarta Post Jakarta British energy giant BP Plc expects to wrap up deals to sell two gas blocks to local firm PT Energy Mega Persada (EMP) and Malaysia's Petroliam National Bhd. (Petrona) later this month, the company said on Thursday.

Chaubey's lawyers seek Amnesty's help

Chaubey's lawyers seek Amnesty's help MEDAN, North Sumatra: The Medan Legal Aid Institute (LBH Medan) is planning to report the scheduled execution of drug convict Ayodhya Prasad Chaubey to human rights group Amnesty International (AI) in Geneva.

Typhoon toll rises

Typhoon toll rises to 23 as RP mops upPHILIPPINES: The death toll from the strongest typhoon to hit the Philippines this year rose to 23 on Friday, as rescue workers rushed to clear landslides and send food and medicine to isolated areas, disaster officials said.

Agony of the election: Mulling over political power

Agony of the election: Mulling over political powerThomas Hidya Tjaya, Jakarta During this presidential election week voters are, once again, faced with a difficult decision over electing their leaders. For a variety of reasons the decision may be agonizing for many.

Illegal Jambi gold mining inflicts heavy losses on state

Illegal Jambi gold mining inflicts heavy losses on stateJon Afrizal, Jambi Indonesia has suffered hundreds of millions of rupiah in losses due to illegal gold mining activities in several regencies in Jambi province that have continued since 1997.

Fishermen forced to become scavengers

Fishermen forced to become scavengersMulta Fidrus, Tangerang The ongoing coastal reclamation at Dadap fishing village, Kosambi, here, has forced hundreds of fishermen to turn away from their profession and become scavengers.

Take the shirt of your back: Councillors to get Rp 5m for tailors

Take the shirt of your back: Councillors to get Rp 5m for tailorsYuli Tri Suwarni, Bandung Though the new West Java legislative council has not yet been installed, the provincial administration has allocated Rp 500 million (US$55,555) for official uniforms for its 100 members.

The sugar saga

The sugar saga One might still hear a song, occasionally sung by one of the current presidential candidates whenever he is campaigning. He usually sings Kulihat ibu pertiwi, sedang bersedih hati... (I see my motherland is in (deep) sorrow ...).

'Kancil' require new driver's license

'Kancil' require new driver's licenseUrip Hudiono and Evi Mariani, Jakarta Expressing concerns that the operation of locally made kancil would affect their daily livelihoods, several bajaj (three-wheel motorized vehicle) drivers are inquiring as to whether their current driver's licenses are valid...

Teach public how to read reports: Expert

Teach public how to read reports: ExpertYOGYAKARTA: A regional autonomy expert has praised the decision of the Sleman administration to have their 2003 financial reports printed in the mass media.AAGN Ari Dwipayana of the Gadjah Mada University said,"It's a good move, indeed, to create accountable,...

Sleman offers fishermen a new beginning

Sleman offers fishermen a new beginningBambang M, Contributor/Yogyakarta The regency of Sleman has its own way of taking care of the environment. Instead of simply banning people from using electricity to catch fish, it is also offering them a new beginning -- on land.

The special reports on the 11th ASEAN Regional Forum, are

The special reports on the 11th ASEAN Regional Forum, are prepared by The Jakarta Post's Kornelius Purba, Veeramalla Anjaiah, Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, Adianto P. Simamora, and Ivy Susanti.Contact Information: Kornelius Purba at 0816 778 328; email: world@thejakartapost.com or purba@thejakartapost.com

Reclamation makes fishermen scavengers

Reclamation makes fishermen scavengersMulta Fidrus TangerangThe ongoing coastal reclamation at Dadap fishing village, Kosambi, here, has forced hundreds of fishermen to turn away from their profession and become scavengers.

Guatemala removed from money laundering blacklist

Guatemala removed from money laundering blacklist Reuters Paris The international body leading a campaign against money laundering said on Friday it had removed Guatemala from its blacklist of countries not taking adequate measures against dirty money.

Puteh case a test for anticorruption body

Puteh case a test for anticorruption body Despite the differences between Megawati Soekarnoputri and Amien Rais, the two have at least agreed on one thing -- the need to suspend Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam Governor Abdullah Puteh until he is cleared of corruption allegations.

East Kutai council in hot water for golden handshakes

East Kutai council in hot water for golden handshakesRusman, Samarinda Members of the East Kutai regency legislative council, East Kalimantan, are again in the hot seat following the discovery that they have been allocated severance pay to the tune of Rp 300 million (US$ 31,579) each for their...

Bad police, bad community

Bad police, bad community A bad police force reflects a bad community, and vice versa. This truism is relevant to the current situation in Indonesia, where the existence of a good police force and community still remains a dream.

Severino retains media fans

Severino retains media fansFormer ASEAN secretary-general Rudolfo C. Severino, who held the position from 1998 to 2003, is still a familiar figure among journalists, who appreciate his authoritative manner of answering their questions.

Badminton director calls

Badminton director calls for training evaluationEva C. Komandjaja Jakarta Taufik Hidayat and Sony Dwi Kuncoro are the latest Indonesian victims at the Malaysian Open, prompting the national training director to say the program needed to be evaluated.

Police link six suspects to Jamaah Islamiyah

Police link six suspects to Jamaah IslamiyahP.C. Naommy, Jakarta National Police Chief Gen. Da'i Bachtiar said on Friday that the six terrorist suspects arrested in Sukoharjo, Central Java, on Wednesday came from the same group as the Malaysian bomb experts Noordin Mohammad Top and Azahari bin...

Candidates lack communications skills

Candidates lack communications skills Ong Hock Chuan Jakarta 2. Sam -- Civilian rule, military restrictions: No change for Aceh's 1 x 45 Civilian rule: There is no change for election in AcehAceh electorate must have free and fair voteSam Zarifi New York3.

Harm reduction, a work in progress in Kampung Bali

Harm reduction, a work in progress in Kampung BaliLeony Aurora, Jakarta Indra, 24, went to the public health center in Kampung Bali, Central Jakarta on Thursday for one reason: free hypodermic needles. He went to Iboy, a health worker for the Pelita Ilmu Foundation, which runs the harm reduction...

Migrant worker's

Migrant worker's extortion claimFrom Media IndonesiaTwo Indonesian labor recruitment companies, PT Hasta Insan Perkasa and PT Duta Fajar Barutama, both domiciled in Jakarta, sent me to work in Taiwan and I paid them a placement fee of some Rp 20 million.

KPK requests travel ban for Puteh

KPK requests travel ban for PutehMuninggar Sri Saraswati, Jakarta The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) requested the immigration office on Friday to slap a travel ban on graft suspect Aceh Governor Abdullah Puteh so it could investigate him.

[b]Indonesia gets ready for

Indonesia gets ready for major political shake-upPeter Milne Jakarta As Indonesia is approaching its first-ever direct presidential election, a major shift is occurring in the country's political map. In the latest survey conducted by Ifes on June 4 through June 9 and published last week, Susilo...

Badminton director calls

Badminton director calls for training evaluationEva C. Komandjaja Jakarta Taufik Hidayat and Sony Dwi Kuncoro are the latest Indonesian victims at the Malaysian Open, prompting the national training director to say the program needed to be evaluated.

Promoting small-scale businesses

Promoting small-scale businesses As reported by Kompas (June 29), the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) has inaugurated PT UKM, which will assist small- and medium-scale businesses (UKM) in expanding their markets by raising product quantity and quality, as well as by maintaining...

Press freedom fighter, writer, Mochtar Lubis passes away

Press freedom fighter, writer, Mochtar Lubis passes awayA. Junaidi, Jakarta The nation mourned as noted writer-journalist Mochtar Lubis passed away on Friday at the Medistra Hospital in Jakarta due to lung disease.

Lukas speaks for the Land of Deities

Lukas speaks for the Land of DeitiesTarko Sudiarno, Contributor/Wonosobo, Central Java The 30 Dutch tourists were getting more and more impatient for the first ray of sunshine, as their guide, Lukas Agus Tjugianto, had told them sunrise came twice on Dieng Plateau, Central Java.

Police to guard tourists in Sabang

Police to guard tourists in Sabang ACEH, Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam: Banda Aceh Police say they are ready to guard foreign tourists visiting Sabang, an officer has said.Banda Aceh Police spokesman Sr. Comr.

Fitri Wulandari

Fitri Wulandari The Jakarta Post Jakarta British energy giant BP Plc expects to wrap up deals to sell two gas blocks to local firm PT Energy Mega Persada (EMP) and Malaysia's Petroliam National Bhd. (Petrona) later this month, the company said on Thursday.

Megawati should suspend Sutiyoso

Megawati should suspend Sutiyoso In the debate between presidential and vice presidential candidates organized by the General Elections Commission at Borobudur Hotel on June 30, President Megawati, one of the candidates in the debate, said in reply to a question posed by a panelist that she would...

PPATK steps up anti-money laundering drive

PPATK steps up anti-money laundering driveDadan Wijaksana, Jakarta The Financial Transaction and Report Analysis Center (PPATK), the country's money laundering watchdog, has joined The Edgmont Group, an international anti-money laundering group, in fighting the illegal practice.

Terrorists hijack Islam: Singapore

Terrorists hijack Islam: SingaporeINDONESIA: Moderate Muslim leaders must speak out against efforts by terrorists to hijack their religion and inflame hatred, Singapore's Foreign Minister S. Jayakumar said on Friday.

Siswono the richest, Amien poorest candidate

Siswono the richest, Amien poorest candidateMuninggar Sri Saraswati, Jakarta The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) announced on Friday the temporary results of its verification of the wealth reports of presidential and vice presidential candidates.

ARF meeting ends with no progress on Myanmar issue

ARF meeting ends with no progress on Myanmar issueThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta Myanmar and the North Korean nuclear crisis dominated the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Regional Forum (ARF) on Friday.For two days, U.S.

Business confidence index shows recovery

Business confidence index shows recoveryThe Jakarta Post , Jakarta Business confidence recovered in April and May due to the relatively peaceful legislative elections, with corporate leaders becoming increasingly convinced that the government will be able to maintain order during the presidential...

Singapore, Malaysian businesses to mount joint investment missions

Singapore, Malaysian businesses to mount joint investment missions Agence France-Presse Singapore Singapore and Malaysia signed an agreement here on Friday that will help their business people organize joint investment promotions in third countries in another sign of improving bilateral ties.

JP/13/Infla

JP/13/Infla RI inflation to exceed target, touch 7%: BPSDow Jones Jakarta Indonesia's inflation rate is expected to touch 7 percent for the whole year, exceeding the government's target of 6.5 percent - due mostly to the rupiah's weakness, a government official said Friday.

Singapore, Malaysian businesses to mount joint investment missions

Singapore, Malaysian businesses to mount joint investment missions Agence France-Presse Singapore Singapore and Malaysia signed an agreement here on Friday that will help their business people organize joint investment promotions in third countries in another sign of improving bilateral ties.

Locals doubt benefits of Pitung tourist site

Locals doubt benefits of Pitung tourist siteUrip Hudiono, Jakarta Residents of Marunda Pulo fishing village in North Jakarta, where the house of legendary Betawi (native Jakartan) hero Pitung stands, are doubtful that the municipality's plan to convert their area into a tourism site would benefit...

Megawati inaugurates Suramadu bridge pillar

Megawati inaugurates Suramadu bridge pillarThe Jakarta Post, Surabaya/Denpasar President Megawati Soekarnoputri, who is seeking reelection this year, inaugurated on Friday two different projects in East Java and Bali, only three days ahead of the July 5 presidential election.

Laos to admit foreign media for ASEAN summit

Laos to admit foreign media for ASEAN summitThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta Laos said it would allow an unprecedented level of freedom to foreign journalists covering the 10th ASEAN Summit in the country in November and other ASEAN meetings there next year.

Aceh electorate must have free and fair vote

Aceh electorate must have free and fair voteSam Zarifi, New York Come Monday, most of Indonesia's 150 million registered voters will be able to cast (or not cast) their ballots in a relatively peaceful environment.

Singapore, Malaysian businesses to mount joint investment missions

Singapore, Malaysian businesses to mount joint investment missions Agence France-Presse Singapore Singapore and Malaysia signed an agreement here on Friday that will help their business people organize joint investment promotions in third countries in another sign of improving bilateral ties.

Illegal wheat flour found in Pekanbaru

Illegal wheat flour found in Pekanbaru PEKANBARU, Riau: The Riau Trade and Industry Office inspected several traditional markets in the province for the past week, and discovered two illegal brands of wheat flour.

Watchdog reports big travel costs of candidates

Watchdog reports big travel costs of candidatesDadan Wijaksana, Jakarta The sheer size of Indonesia hints at the need for a virtually bottomless purse for trips during the recently concluded month- long presidential campaign.

1. MALPRACTICE: 48 pt, 3 cols, 3 x 18

1. MALPRACTICE: 48 pt, 3 cols, 3 x 18 Malpractice victims pessimistic on disciplinary council 2. HAMBALI: 36 pt, 4 cols, 2 x 28 RI seeks better military ties with U.S., access to JI leader 3. SCHOOL: 32 pt, 3 cols, 2 x 25 City admits poor planning in school renovation projects 4.

NU considers direct involvement in politics

NU considers direct involvement in politicsTiarma Siboro, Jakarta The country's largest Muslim organization, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), is considering a move to allow its executives to get involved in practical politics without having to resign.

Minister says SBKRI not essential

Minister says SBKRI not essential JAKARTA: Minister of Justice and Human Rights Yusril Ihza Mahendra said bureaucrats at the lower level continued to ask Chinese-Indonesians to produce the Indonesian Citizenship Document (SBKRI) due to their lack of knowledge of the law.

Prosecutors ask for five-year jail term for Pranowo

Prosecutors ask for five-year jail term for PranowoSari P. Setiogi, Jakarta Prosecutors demanded on Friday a five-year prison term for former Jakarta Military Police chief Maj. Gen. (ret) Pranowo for allegedly failing to stop his men from torturing prisoners captured following the Tanjung Priok...

Yogyakarta is on its way to become Java's hub

Yogyakarta is on its way to become Java's hub educationSri Wahyuni, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Quietly but surely, Yogyakarta is promoting itself abroad in its bid to make itself the hub for Java's trade, tourism and education.

'Police still have lot of homework to do'

'Police still have lot of homework to do' To mark the National Police's 58th anniversary on July 1, legal experts have highlighted the force's failure to meet the people's expectations when dealing with big corruption cases.

Govt earmarks Rp 10b for ARV

Govt earmarks Rp 10b for ARV DENPASAR, Bali: The government has allocated around Rp 10 billion (US$1.05 million) for the purchase of Anti RetroViral (ARV) drugs, which help people with HIV/AIDS to live a longer and more productive life.

Slank band fans stabbed in concert

Slank band fans stabbed in concert JAKARTA: Two fans of rock band Slank, better known as Slankers, were stabbed by unidentified men while watching the band's concert late on Thursday at the Jakarta Fair in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta.

Govt shuns proposal for cars tax-free

Govt shuns proposal for cars tax-free KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Jakarta has rejected a proposal made by the Belu administration, East Nusa Tenggara, to provide a tax-free facility for cars imported from East Timor.

Focus Issue: Furniture, May 4, 2004

Focus Issue: Furniture, May 4, 2004Caption:Photo A:FurnifairRattan furniture designs have improved over the years. To protect the rattan furniture industry, the government recently imposed a ban on the exportation of unprocessed and half-processed rattan.

Tony Hotland

Tony Hotland Jakarta Legislators have denied asking state-owned oil and gas company Pertamina to perform a forensic and investigative audit of past financial statements to locate the root of the company's current cash flow troubles.

Indonesia and Australia open crime center

Indonesia and Australia open crime centerP.C. Naommy, Jakarta Indonesia and Australia inaugurated on Friday the Transnational Crime Coordination Center (TNCC) to fight transnational crimes, including people smuggling, drug trafficking and terrorism, in Southeast Asia.National Police chief Gen.

1. PUTEH (1 X 30)

1. PUTEH (1 X 30) KPK requests travel ban for Puteh 2. PRIOK (3 X 21) Prosecutors ask for five-year jail term for Pranowo 3. NU (1 X 32) 4. BLAST (1 X 28) Police link six suspects to JI 5. TNNC (1 X 28) RI, Australia open crime center

1. PIANO -- 2 x 20

1. PIANO -- 2 x 20 Stalin's favorite pianos a hit in U.S. 2. STAR -- 1 x 40 Battle of telco cards begins in Surabaya 3. SMELL -- 1 x 37 T-Rex breath wins wacky scent market

Elbert, Takeuchi on course for Thamrin final

Elbert, Takeuchi on course for Thamrin finalMoch. N. Kurniawan, Jakarta Top seeds Elbert Sie and Kento Takeuchi moved a step closer to a showdown in the boys' finals after both reached the semifinals of the Thamrin Cup international junior tennis tournament here on Friday.

ISSI to send Santia to Athens

ISSI to send Santia to Athens JAKARTA: Cyclist Santia Tri Kusuma has been selected to represent Indonesia in the Athens Games.Santia, who contributed two gold medals to the Indonesian team in last year's Southeast Asian Games, won the coveted slot over fellow cyclist Uyun Muzizah.

Poll boycott to mark presidential election

Poll boycott to mark presidential electionRendi A. Witular, Jakarta Large numbers of spoiled ballots and high levels of absenteeism have characterized all the elections the country has ever organized, with many perceiving this to be a reflection of distrust in the fairness of the polls rather than...

Flags fall for Lavrov

Flags fall for LavrovRussian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stumbled onstage on Friday -- perhaps feeling the accumulated weight of the week's meetings -- as he rose to sign a counterterrorism agreement with the Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN).

The sugar saga

The sugar saga One might still hear a song, occasionally sung by one of the current presidential candidates whenever he is campaigning. He usually sings Kulihat ibu pertiwi, sedang bersedih hati... (I see my motherland is in (deep) sorrow ...).

Singapore, KL businesses to mount joint investment mission

Singapore, KL businesses to mount joint investment missionAgence France-Presse Singapore Singapore and Malaysia signed an agreement here on Friday that will help their business people organize joint investment promotions in third countries in another sign of improving bilateral ties.

The Jakarta Post

The Jakarta Post Jakarta The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private arm of the World Bank Group, has signed a US$9.5 million loan agreement with viscose staple fiber producer PT South Pacific Viscose (SPV) to finance the latter's two-year capital investment plan.

'What seems clear is that Indonesians will vote for change.

'What seems clear is that Indonesians will vote for change. They have been disappointed by the leaders of the past five years who have failed to make headway on reform.' ;JP; ANPAk..r.. Election-Indonesia Indonesia's coming political shake-up JP/6/MILNEIndonesia's coming political shake-upPeter...

The Jakarta Post

The Jakarta Post Jakarta The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private arm of the World Bank Group, has signed a US$9.5 million loan agreement with viscose staple fiber producer PT South Pacific Viscose (SPV) to finance the latter's two-year capital investment plan.

Where to go in Yogyakarta: Saturday, July 3, 2004

Where to go in Yogyakarta: Saturday, July 3, 2004Yogyakarta Arts Festival Dances: Elly D. Luthan's Kunthi Pinilih (Sositet Taman Budaya Yogyakarta, Bulaksumur, 7:30 p.m., July 10), Sahita dance performances Iber-iber Tledhek Barangan (Pendopo Nitiprajan, 7:30 p.m.

Powell meets Indonesian students

Powell meets Indonesian studentsThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta Twenty-three Indonesian students from various universities across Jakarta packed a meeting room at the Mulia Hotel in Central Jakarta on Friday, and waited anxiously for a rare chance to hurl questions at U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell.

Indonesia seeks access to JI leader

Indonesia seeks access to JI leaderAgence France Presse JakartaIndonesia on Friday pressed for the resumption of full military ties with the United States and access to top terror suspect Hambali, an official said.

Four robbers shot dead in Simalungun

Four robbers shot dead in Simalungun MEDAN, North Sumatra: Simalungun Police personnel shot dead on Friday four robbers in Perdagangan subdistrict, Simalungun regency. The robbers were shot while they were plundering the house of a resident in the subdistrict.

Bekasi in effort to up education

Bekasi in effort to up education BEKASI: Regent Saleh Manaf revealed that 514 elementary school buildings, or 60 percent of a total of 700 schools in the district, were in disrepair."We are considering alloting more of the 2005 budget to renovating the schools in 23 subdistricts and 187 villages,...

Elbert, Takeuchi through to

Elbert, Takeuchi through to semifinals in Thamrin CupJP/11/OPENElbert, Takeuchi on course for Thamrin finalMoch. N. Kurniawan Jakarta Top seeds Elbert Sie and Kento Takeuchi moved a step closer to a showdown in the boys' finals after both reached the semifinals of the Thamrin Cup international...

[b]Agony of the election:

Agony of the election: How power can be abusedThomas Hidya Tjaya Jakarta2. Juwono -- Indonesia: Democracy, Defense and development 1 X 30Indonesian democracy and defense See correction to byline belowJuwono Sudarsono Norwich, UK

Thailand slaps ban poultry imports from RI, Vietnam

Thailand slaps ban poultry imports from RI, Vietnam Thailand slapped a ban on poultry imports from Vietnam and Indonesia on Friday and warned Thai farmers to keep a close watch for a possible return of the epidemic.

Many first-time voters undecided on candidates

Many first-time voters undecided on candidatesA. Junaidi, Jakarta At least 93 percent of Jakarta university students plan to vote in the presidential election, but about 25 percent of the first- time voters have yet to decide who they will vote for on Monday.

;AFP;

;AFP; ANPAf..r.. Australia-Malaysia-trade Australia set to discuss free trade pact with new friend Malaysia JP/15/AUSSIEAustralia set to discuss free trade pact with new friend Malaysia Jack Taylor AgencevFrance-Presse Sydney Australia and Malaysia are close to launching talks on a free trade...

RI inflation to exceed target, touch 7%: BPS

RI inflation to exceed target, touch 7%: BPSDow Jones Jakarta Indonesia's inflation rate is expected to touch 7 percent for the whole year, exceeding the government's target of 6.5 percent - due mostly to the rupiah's weakness, a government official said Friday.

ARF mulls tough new security measures for ships

ARF mulls tough new security measures for shipsThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta Following the implementation of a tough new maritime security law that came into effect on Thursday, the members of Asia's top security forum discussed on Friday the new security standards for shipping in the region's busiest...

1 x 39

1 x 39 Eight more councils face graft probes JP/5/recess2 x 27 East Kutai council in hot water for golden handshakes JP/5/GOLD2 x 29 Illegal Jambi gold mining inflicts heavy losses on state JP/5/shirt2 x 35 Take the shirt of your back: Councillors to get Rp 5m for tailors 1 x 42 Mega inaugurates...

2 heads

2 heads1. ELECT -- 1 x 38 Sleman offering fishermen a new beginning 2. ROAD -- 1 x 40 Yogyakarta plans to be Java's hub

Residents, traders differ on new market

Residents, traders differ on new market TANGERANG: While residents flocked to the traditional market in the Bumi Serpong Damai housing complex, which opened on Monday, traders complained about its high rental fees.

Gasoline shortage hits Bengkulu

Gasoline shortage hits Bengkulu BENGKULU: Bengkulu city, capital of Sumatra's Bengkulu province, has been hit by a gasoline shortage for the past three days, prompting the fuel's price to soar.The price of gasoline in Rawa Makmur subdistrict has reached Rp 3,000 per liter, far above the norm of Rp...

KPK probes 11 alleged graft cases

KPK probes 11 alleged graft casesMuninggar Sri Saraswati , Jakarta Defying its human resources shortcomings, the powerful Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has examined a total of 11 alleged corruption cases since its establishment six months ago.

[b]RI coat of arms

RI coat of arms and campaignsFrom Kompas The Republic of Indonesia's coat of arms has been used in the banners and flags during the ongoing presidential campaign. Legally, a state's coat of arms can be used only by state/government official institutions.

Govt told to get serious in legislation

Govt told to get serious in legislation JAKARTA: House of Representatives (DPR) Speaker Akbar Tandjung called on the government on Friday to pay close attention to the deliberation of the bills on presidential advisors and on ministerial offices.

1. BP

1. BP BP to sell gas blocks to Petronas, EMP2. Dana Business confidence index shows recovery 3. Thai Thailand bans poultry imports from RI, Vietnam 4. US U.S. job growth slows sharply in June 5.Inflation RI inflation to exceed target, touch 7%: BPS

PGRI demands special teacher law

PGRI demands special teacher law JAKARTA: The Indonesian Teachers Association (PGRI) on Friday demanded that the House of Representatives (DPR) draft a bill on employment conditions for teachers.The PGRI delegation, headed by chairman Moh.

Spanish dish on offer at El Patio

Spanish dish on offer at El PatioYOGYAKARTA: In a bid to give its customers more variety, Melia Purosani Hotel on Jl. Suryotomo is offering a traditional Spanish dish -- Paella Valenciana -- at its El Patio coffee shop during July.

Australia, NZ to attend Laos summit

Australia, NZ to attend Laos summitThe Jakarta Post , Jakarta Australia and New Zealand are moving closer to become permanent dialog partners of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) annual leaders' summit along with Japan, China and South Korea, a senior ASEAN official disclosed.

Rupiah Rates July 2

Rupiah Rates July 2 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 6,917.86 6,208.05 6,598.31 6,527.37 Brunei dollar 1 5,711.71 5,126.31 5,447.87 5,389.99 Canadian dollar 1 7,362.61 6,606.90 7,022.52 6,946.74 Swiss franc 1 7,858.80 7,054.63 7,495.79 7,417.

New leaders must promote education

New leaders must promote educationSimon Marcus Gower, Jakarta The first direct elections of a president in Indonesia are almost here and the candidates have often been heard to talk up their positions on human rights and the growth of democracy for this nation.

Novotel offers holiday programs

Novotel offers holiday programsYOGYAKARTA: Entering this years' school holiday season, Novotel Yogyakarta Hotel on Jl. Sudirman offers a series of special fun educational programs for children. On Saturday this week, the hotel offers a short cooking class for Rp 50.000 per child from 10 a.m.

Candidates lack communications skills

Candidates lack communications skillsOng Hock Chuan, Jakarta What is apparent from the debates of the presidential candidates and their running mates on Wednesday and Thursday night is that most of them still don't seem to "get it" when it comes to communicating effectively to a TV-plugged-in...

Indonesia gets ready for major political shake-up

Indonesia gets ready for major political shake-upPeter Milne, Jakarta As Indonesia is approaching its first-ever direct presidential election, a major shift is occurring in the country's political map. However, it is one that many foreign and Indonesian observers, not to mention members of the...

Malpractice victims pessimistic on disciplinary council

Malpractice victims pessimistic on disciplinary councilDewi Santoso, Jakarta Medical malpractice victims can now look forward to having their demands for justice fulfilled after the House of Representatives and the government agreed to establish a disciplinary council that will handle cases of...

Potential voters turn to TV fpr info

Potential voters turn to TV fpr infoKurniawan Hari, Jakarta Television programs featuring presidential candidates and the candidates' ads aired by TV stations were the primary source of information for people wishing to learn more about those contesting the July 5 election, a survey found.

Indonesia: Democracy, defense and development

Indonesia: Democracy, defense and developmentJuwono Sudarsono, Norwich, UK Indonesia is currently still undergoing the "multifaceted consequences" of the multidimensional Asian economic and financial crisis of 1997 and 1998.

BP to sell gas blocks to Petronas and EMP

BP to sell gas blocks to Petronas and EMPFitri Wulandari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta British energy giant BP Plc expects to wrap up deals to sell two gas blocks to local firm PT Energy Mega Persada (EMP) and Malaysia's Petroliam National Bhd. (Petrona) later this month, the company said on Thursday.